Tag Archives: Fantasy

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | July 4, 2024 · 5:00 am

The Maker of Worlds Week Blast

Fantasy

Date Published: 05-22-2024

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

If you had the chance to remake the world, what kind of world would you
choose?

When tragedy strikes Lucas Mack’s young life, he desperately yearns to
escape its sorrow, and takes an improbable leap through the mythical
maelstrom. Rather than splashing down on the far side like his neighbors,
he’s transported to a magical realm where he has the power to redefine not
only who he is, but the world in which he resides.

As he stumbles about trying to find his way, he meets Mia, an equally
troubled fellow pilgrim. With the help of a mystical guide and an aging
wizard, they navigate the enchanted land while learning to control their
newfound powers. Yet this realm is more complex than they expected, with
seasoned sorcerers who’ve been corrupted by the sinister side of
magic.

Limited by natural law and seduced by magic’s power, they are tested as
never before. Will the gift of magic bring renewed hope or drive them to the
edge of the void?

About the Author

The urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter
at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the
wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights
rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with
eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry
line between reality and the fantastic.

Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a
day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He
paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without
prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry,
founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream,
the urge to write returned.

David now lives in the Great Northwest. He no longer limits himself to five
pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word
processor.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook: David Litwack – Author

Twitter: @DavidLitwack

Goodreads

Instagram

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by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | June 7, 2024 · 3:00 am

Return of the Shadowlord Virtual Book Tour

Orb Of Zorn, Book #2

Fantasy

Date Published: 04-19-2024

When the Shadowlord steals part of the orb of eternity, his power surges.
He has unleashed a mighty host of orcs and trolls and acquires an invaluable
new henchman in Borg Bearslayer. Young Elcon goes through a battery of new
trials and tribulations and is tested by powers he never imagined. Only by
forging an alliance with the gray elf, Rowena Ravenwill, the brash dwarf
Brom, and the last of the great swordsmen of the western realms does he
stand a chance against the Shadowlord.

In this sequel to The Heir Apparent, a gloomier dawn emerges, and stakes
are much higher for the young mage. The boundaries are blurred even further
when the Walszman encounters the witch-like Lef Sagori. Will he succumb to
the dark side of magic or will Elcon add great new deeds to his Van Zorn
legacy?

EXCERPT

CHAPTER TWO—

The wind howled as they trudged along the empty outer banks. It crept up on them as a fog fiend would descend upon innocent birds of prey. It whipped at their backs, and they still pressed on. The verdant fields long gone now, and the harsh landscape broke in from all sides as if crumbling before them in the form of an avalanche. Nothing fell. Yet. Everything held in its tenuous, rock-solid place. Talia snickered to herself, a nervous laugh. Her levity was a way of dealing with the vast and unfamiliar surroundings and how small she stood before them.

Now the craggy peaks rose before them tall as towers to the netherworld. Still off in the distance but drawing nearer with each step. Gone were the amber waves of wheat and the bustling bloom of azaleas. They left behind the sagebrush and the other prickly fronds as the loam vanished and the stone rose. Talia craned her neck, hoping for a few fresh petals to break up the monotony of the gloom. In her mind, she loped through those bucolic fields again and took in the sweet scent of cherry blossom. She crossed great meadows dotted with wildflowers and Lilypad-slathered ponds. Some of the places they passed were stunning, bristling with exquisite beauty, while others rolled out in barren stretches that gave her the chills.

Perlania sounded like a paradise, yet, the more she tried to picture it, the more it evaded her imagination as if something strove to block her fancy. Talia suspected her teacher was the culprit, but she did not accuse her. Instead, she constantly asked for a glimpse of the mysterious land even when she knew Scya would never reveal it.

This did not dissuade the tyro, for she was hungry for adventure. Ever since she left her uncle’s inn, she had wanted to explore the strange lands beyond her home. This desire filled her young heart with rippling joy. But not the frivolous kind. She was not hungry for gallivanting the way those ridiculous knights barreled through pebble-speck villages. Talia longed for a chance to prove herself. She wanted her purpose to become clear.

“Stop daydreaming,” Scya warned.

Snapped from the warm layer of her private thoughts, the tyro hardened again. Plucked from her cocoon, she girded herself for a challenge. In fact, she had come to welcome these interludes because they made her stronger. Although, sometimes caught unaware, she lashed out at Third Sister, a mistake she had to learn the hard way. She was still young, though not callow.

Slowly, she was getting used to the game. It seemed Scya offered more leeway now, letting the tyro go for longer stretches each time only to rent the calm shell of rumination with a sharp thrust. This kept the tyro on her toes.

Talia was still amazed to be given this incredible chance. The Lef Sagori had an infamous reputation. Few ever spoke fondly of them. Most feared their mystique. Talia did not. She craved the power Scya held, the power she seldom used, and she would do almost anything to have it.

When she quelled her mind to a blank slate, as she had been trained, Talia could feel Scya reaching out to her. She could not read Third Sister’s thoughts, but could anticipate the directives and queries.

She pulled up alongside her mentor, ready to learn.

“You know why we eschew material goods and the sheltered life.”

The tyro nodded. Drilled into her throughout their long, arduous trek, she wasn’t sure why Scya was bringing it up again. She must have had a reason, and Talia made no reply because she knew there was more to follow. She loped on, cloaking her curiosity.

“The more you carry, the more of a physical burden. That’s obvious, but if something is worth carrying, it is worth bringing along. We leave behind everything, only taking what is most essential because it allows us to carve out a better path. Poverty leads to purity. We do not consider ourselves better because of it. It makes things easier.”

Talia nodded again, and Scya arched a brow. “You don’t believe so. Or are not convinced.”

“No, I do believe you, but we are going to the homeland. I’m sure there are some material goods there.”

“There are.”

“So, doesn’t that make you a possessor of material goods?”

“You don’t see them on my person, do you?”

“No, not here. But when you return home.”

Scya offered a rare smile. “You are still trying to force me into giving a glimpse of the homeland.”

“No, of course not,” Talia lied.

“So, you are not curious about it?”

The tyro stalled for a moment. It seemed better to give the question serious consideration even though the answer was obvious.

“Of course, I am, but I know you won’t share it with me.”

“And yet you still try and probe in your most innocent way.”

“You know that I’m curious.”

“Yes.”

“And yet you keep asking me. Why? For confirmation?”

“No,” Scya said, raising a brow. “Because I’m waiting for you to give up some of the things you stow away in the deep cupboards of your mind.”

“You mean memories?”

“You are hoarding them because you believe they offer you comfort, but what you do not realize is that some of those comforting memories can harm you. They reveal your past and can betray your present. Doomed if they fall into the wrong hands.”

Talia flinched when an old memory rushed back. She saw Scya regurgitating chunks of that ghastly creature. She wondered if a bad memory also had the same effect. Could the old enemy return? Then she began trembling in fear because she already believed she had betrayed her mentor.

“You are still not ready for the next stage, not until you can control the flow of your thoughts. Let the mist wash your slate clean.”

“The mist?”

“It’s the only way to clean your slate. You’ve sullied it with all your worries.”

Fright filled the tyro’s eyes. She pulled away, afraid to face her teacher.

“It’s all my fault. Now it’s coming back.”

“No,” Scya said. “But you need to use the mist.”

“But how? I don’t know where to start.”

“From the beginning. Take a respite now. You must start from the beginning.”

About the Author

Before his words found their way into print, John snapped the Eyesore of
the Week for the Queens Ledger. His stories, essays, and articles have
appeared in over 50 journals worldwide. His newest book Return Of The
Shadowlord (Orb Of Zorn #2) is AVAILABLE for PRE-ORDER. John is also the
author of the novels, The Heir Apparent (Orb Of Zorn #1), The Acolyte And
The Amulet (Nebilon #1), Quest For The Hope Box (Nebilon #2), Beyond The
Vicious Vortex, Shades of Luz, Disposable Heroes, and From Here To
Burmidia.

Contact Links

Instagram: @johngorman12

Purchase Link

Amazon

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by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | May 10, 2024 · 5:00 am

Writers of the Future Volume 40 Virtual Book Tour

Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Short Stories

Date Published: May 7, 2024

Spine-tingling

Breathtaking

Mind-blowing

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and
visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited
possibilities.

Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and
illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you
see the world in ways you never imagined.

Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year as selected
by Writers of the Future Contest judges accompanied by three more from L.
Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each is accompanied by a full-color
illustration.

Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton,
L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith

“When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more
than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual
world.—“The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast” by Sky
McKinnon, art by Carina Zhang

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits.
Étienne knew it was his fault.—“Son, Spirit, Snake”
by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N.

Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan
Guidry is also running out of air—and the nearest help is light years
away.—“Nonzero” by Tom Vandermolen, art by Jennifer
Mellen

Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of
history—but this one had some unexpected side
effects.—“The Last Drop” by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague
de Camp, art by Chris Arias

Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what’s left of
his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring
unexpected hope.—“The Imagalisk” by Galen Westlake, art by
Arthur Haywood

When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her
wits and the magic of the bayou—no matter the cost to her own
soul.—“Life and Death and Love in the Bayou” by Stephannie
Tallent, art by Ashley Cassaday

Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably
teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are
missing.…—“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance
Robinson, art by Steve Bentley

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient
and hostile to all life.—“Shaman Dreams” by S.M. Stirling,
art by Dan dos Santos

A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but
it’s not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the
present.—“The Wall Isn’t a Circle” by Rosalyn
Robilliard, art by Guelly Rivera

In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt’s wendigo hunt, a Native American
boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the
ultimate prey—America’s Great
Chief.—“Da-ko-ta” by Amir Agoora, art by Connor
Chamberlain

When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of
her own miserable existence to find her client’s daughter—and
maybe a way out.—“Squiddy” by John Eric Schleicher, art by
Tyler Vail

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent
infection rate that affects personality changes …
permanently.—“Halo” by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas
Durham

Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it’s
Rickard’s fault. Now in his twilight years, he’d give an arm and
a leg for redemption. Literally.—“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to
Carbonfiber” by James Davies, art by May Zheng

What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you
use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for
love?—“Summer of Thirty Years” by Lisa Silverthorne, art
by Gigi Hooper

Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an
all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love
stories, but that’s unlikely.—“Butter Side Down” by
Kal M, art by Selena Meraki

EXCERPT

Introduction

Once again, I am proud to present to you twelve brand-new stories that will delight you, expose you to new ideas, drag you through harrowing trials, make you think, cry, and laugh. The variety of stories, from time travel to dystopia to the memory of a child’s imagination, is like a library between two covers. You have a treat waiting for you.

Every year that I have been involved in the Writers of the Future Contest, I have been impressed by the talent of up-and-coming writers. They have a vision, they explore it through the eyes of well drawn characters in a world made vivid by their words, and they bring the plot to a conclusion that satisfies the reader’s desire for adventure. It’s hard to choose the finalists because there are always more than the eight per quarter that I am allowed to select from the myriad we receive, and just as hard to pick the three winners from that group. These are the best of the best.

Another important facet is their perseverance. In some cases, the success of these twelve writers is the result of years of submitting to the Contest. When one story didn’t make the cut, they tried a fresh idea. In this year, each of them succeeded. I enjoyed each of these stories, and I am proud to have been a part of bringing the world’s attention to these new writers.

I know there are many hopeful writers who want to join the ranks of Contest winners, and I encourage you to keep trying. One thing that I have noticed over the last couple of years is that some writers keep sending me the same stories over and over again. Once in a very great while, a story will move up in rank, achieving notice as an honorable mention, to silver honorable mention, to semifinalist, or even finalist. If a story that you send me has received the same ranking for three or more quarters, it is unlikely ever to be considered for a higher prize. I beseech you to put that story aside, sell it elsewhere, and send me something else. The Writers of the Future Contest wants to help you achieve a writing career, and a career is not made on a single story. It’s like trying keys in a lock. If one key doesn’t work, try others until one of them opens the door.

What am I looking for? I want a story with a beginning, middle, and end. I want your protagonist to grow in some fashion, whether or not s/he succeeds at the goal. Speculative fiction is about extrapolating on things that already exist. Show me new ideas. Don’t retread ground that has been trampled by thousands of others. Let me hear your voice. Tickle my imagination. Introduce me to new people, new cultures. I want excellent storytelling with great characters and imaginative world-building. You can enter once a quarter, with no entrance fee, with a story that can range in length from flash fiction (yes! we accept flash fiction) up to seventeen thousand words, in any subgenre of science fiction or fantasy, even light horror. Please read the guidelines carefully, and send me your stories!

The rewards for becoming a winner of the Contest are worthwhile. The twelve writer winners are flown into Hollywood, California, from wherever they are in the world, for a grand black-tie, red-carpet gala, given beautiful trophies and checks for winning. Winners from each quarter receive US$500 for third place, US$750 for second place, and US$1,000 for first. Each of their stories has also been handed off to the winners of the Illustrators of the Future Contest to create a unique and original piece of art to accompany it in the anthology. Thousands of longtime professional writers have never had a published story of theirs illustrated in full color, so this is a great honor and a pleasure. The anthologies themselves often become national bestsellers, a terrific thing to have on your bibliography.

The next year’s Contest is already under way. Join us, and let us see your vision.

L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S. M. Stirling, Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton,
Dean Amir Agoora, James Davies, Kal M, Sky McKinnon, Jack Nash, Rosalyn
Robilliard, Lance Robinson, John Eric Schleicher, Lisa Silverthorne,
Stephannie Tallent, Tom Vandermolen, and Galen Westlake.

Illustrators: Dan dos Santos, Ashley Cassaday, Gigi Hooper, Jennifer
Mellen, Pedro Nascimento, Steve Bentley, Connor Chamberlain, Selena Meraki,
Guelly Rivera, Tyler Vail, Carina Zhang, May Zheng, Lucas Durham, and Chris
Arias.

Contact Links

Free Writing Workshop

Purchase Links

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Tagged as and Horror Short Stories, Bob Eggleton, Dean Amir Agoora, Fantasy, Galen Westlake., Gregory Benford, Jack Nash, James Davies, John Eric Schleicher, Kal M, L. Ron Hubbard, Lance Robinson, Lisa Silverthorne, Nancy Kress, Rosalyn Robilliard, S. M. Stirling, Science fiction, Sky McKinnon, Stephannie Tallent, Tom Vandermolen, Writers of the Future Volume 40

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | May 7, 2024 · 5:00 am

Writers of the Future Volume 40 Blitz

Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Short Stories

Date Published: May 7, 2024

Spine-tingling

Breathtaking

Mind-blowing

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and
visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited
possibilities.

Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and
illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you
see the world in ways you never imagined.

Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton,
L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits.
Étienne knew it was his fault.—“Son, Spirit, Snake”
by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N.

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient
and hostile to all life.—“Shaman Dreams” by S.M. Stirling,
art by Dan dos Santos

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent
infection rate that affects personality changes …
permanently.—“Halo” by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas
Durham

Contact Links

Free Writing Workshop

Purchase Links

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed under BOOK BLITZ

Tagged as and Galen Westlake., and Horror Short Stories, Bob Eggleton, Dean Amir Agoora, Fantasy, Gregory Benford, Jack Nash, James Davies, John Eric Schleicher, Kal M, L. Ron Hubbard, Lance Robinson, Lisa Silverthorne, Nancy Kress, Rosalyn Robilliard, S. M. Stirling, Science fiction, Sky McKinnon, Stephannie Tallent, Tom Vandermolen, Writers of the Future Volume 40

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | April 5, 2024 · 5:00 am

The Beginning of the End Virtual Book Tour

Fantasy

Date Published: 08-10-2022

Publisher: Ocean Reeve Publishing

Ramulas’ peaceful world as a farmer is shattered when he is pulled into the
midst of a magical civil war between two worlds. With the appearance of a
mysterious young woman, Ramulas starts to unravel some of the mysteries of
his forgotten childhood and secret ability to communicate with
animals.

He starts to fear for the safety of his family when his daughters reveal
that they too, have unexplained abilities, and the intrigue only deepens
when he discovers that the very existence of their world is under threat and
that he may be the key to avert impending doom.

Other Books in the Series

With the help of the king’s magician Shigar, Romulus and Pip avoid capture
and Race to Sanctuary to find Oriel. War with the legion is coming, and
Oriel sends out a call across the kingdom for help, which is answered by
thousands who come to Sanctuary.

While the people train for the battle and dig into the mountain to free
Oriel, Remus and his warlords weave magic to cross into this world and
ravage everything. But king Zachary angry with Shigar for joining Ramulas,
and his people worshipping the escaped prisoner, prepares his army to march
as soon as his agents locate Ramulas.

Their only hope is to defeat the legion and an enemy closer to home.

The people of Sanctuary are recovering after narrowly defeating the kingdom
army. Remus has brought the first legion into the kingdom, he has made a
deal with thousands of Symiaks and plans to use the kingdom army to help him
get Oriel.

Ramulas needs to free Oriel before the legion arrives, or everyone in the
kingdom will suffer the wrath of Remus.

EXCERPT

Ramulas woke to absolute agony, his hand felt as if it were going to explode. He opened his eyes and was shocked to find James kneeling over him. James held Ramulas’ injured hand and was squeezing it. Ramulas screamed in pain.

James reached back with a hand and punched Ramulas in the face so hard that his head bounced off the stone floor under the straw.

“Oriel!” Ramulas screamed.

James hit Ramulas two more times in the chest, spreading the pain throughout his body. Ramulas had never felt this helpless before. Where was the magic inside of him that Oriel spoke about? Why couldn’t he do anything?

About the Author

Adam was born in Melbourne in 1970, and from his earliest memories was
always captivated by reading, he fell in love with fantasy in his early
teens and discovered a way to escape into a new world.

He attempted to write novels from the age of twenty-two and couldn’t find
the way to piece it together properly. Then in 2015 one of the main
characters of The Ramulas Chronicles came to Adam, followed by other
characters and the rest of the fantasy series.

He has found something that he loves doing and has the characters of this
series constantly running throughout his mind. Adam lives with his son and
his dog, and is extremely happy to be able to share his world with lovers of
fantasy.

Contact Links

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Tagged as Adam J Scholte, Fantasy, The Beginning of the End

Tag Archives: Fantasy

The Maker of Worlds Week Blast

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Return of the Shadowlord Virtual Book Tour

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The Beginning of the End Virtual Book Tour

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The Maker of Worlds Week Blast

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